“Would you like to join a special tour at Warner Brothers Studios?” they said. “Would you like to see a preview of the new exhibition showcasing the sweet treats created for the Harry Potter movies” they continued. “Of course do bring your girls” they concluded. So that was that. We zoomed across to Watford after the school run and met a few dozen other excited guests. Over canapes sweet and savoury we had the opportunity to meet and talk to the artists who created the magical meals and confectionery for the films.
Until this tour I had forgotten just how much food there is in the films. Of course I remember the sweetie trolley that comes round on the Hogwarts Express and that very first meal that Harry sits down to with his new chums. Magical lanterns lit above their heads. But having watched the films again there is food in almost every scene. The floating pudding that Dobby drops on the Dursley’s heads. The Gillyweed Harry eats in The Goblet Of Fire. Stoat sandwiches made by Hagrid for Fang. Nosebleed Nougat, Puking Pastilles and Chocolate Frogs.
The tables in the Great Hall have been set up with sweet treats
Intricate desserts made from resin
Are you remembering it all now? Then you’ll love this new exhibition. You’ll be able to see the difference between real bakes and the faked props, take a close look at moulded jelly snakes and decorated sugar skulls and marvel at some of the 120 different items that were created for the Weasley brothers when they launched their shop.
Remember these on that sweetie trolley on the Hogwarts Express?
Some sweet treats are available to buy too
You’ll see the original sketches and designs alongside the real props which were made from intricately painted resin. The different areas of the studio and some of the existing sets have been given a makeover to showcase the food scenes. It’s incredibly clever and shows just how much thought, planning and detailed thinking goes into producing props that see barely a few seconds on screen.
New exhibits encompass explanations of the food that was created
The Chocolate Feast was all baked for real and then replicated in resin
All the potions were created as props
The exhibition is on until Sunday 6th September. Thank you to Warner Brothers for inviting me and my girls as your guests. We loved it!
Butterbeer of course. During the exhibition it is also available as ice cream